Unveiling love:
Your Ultimate Guide to Picture-Perfect Engagement Shoots in Kent, and East Sussex and beyond
As a luxury wedding photographer, I'm thrilled to share my expertise on preparing for this magical milestone in your journey to "I do." From wardrobe essentials to location inspiration, I've got you covered. Let's dive in!
What is an engagement shoot?
When wedding couples hear about engagement shoots, I often sense a spot of confusion. And I’m not surprised as the word engagements suggests the time, or even the moment that they got engaged. So short of a time machine, how can I photographer be there if the occasion actually happened?
When we refer to have engagement shoot photographer is mean a photo shoot during your engagement period. It’s a simple as that. And for this reason, we sometimes refer to it as a pre-wedding shoot.
Now we have that out of the way, what exactly our engagement shoots and why are they so popular? We will look at what goes on in a pre-wedding shoot, a little later, but as to why they are so popular into three things: Confidence, relationship and pictures.
Camber Sands, East Sussex
Setting the scene
Choosing the perfect location your engagement shoot deserves a backdrop as enchanting as your love story. In Kent and East Sussex, you're spoiled for choice with breath taking settings ranging from the historic charm of Rye to the dramatic cliffs of Beachy Head and shores and dunes of Camber Sands. If you have somewhere in mind that’s great, I will make the most of it, otherwise I will suggest what I recommend form my wide experience of location engagements shoots. Whether you prefer quaint cobblestone streets or windswept beaches, let’s select a location that resonates with your romance.
If you're getting married abroad, consider setting up an engagement shoot when you arrive, a couple of days before the wedding.
Lee Valley Park, Walthamstow, London
Confidence
Your wedding day may well be the first time you have commissioned professional photography and breaking the ice prior to the wedding can really help offer a confidence boost for the wedding day. But it’s not just the sight of a large lens, as you will also be getting used to your photographer's way of working and style of doing things.
I find that couples on the wedding day and more relaxed and therefore confident, if they have had an engagement shoot with me. And it shows in the pictures too. If you feel more comfortable you will look more comfortable. If you look more comfortable your pictures will look more natural.
Rye and Camber Sands, East sussex
Brighton west pier
Relationship
I also find that working with my couples is a relationship builder, and a very good one at that. On the engagement shoot, there is so little pressure that you can just be YOU. People often air their concerns, and if they have some, we can work on them immediately. Often starting at a coffee house means I will go over what we are about to do and ask if you have any specific requests or ideas. I will show you the ideas that I have put together specifically for this location and how it might work for you two.
Winchelsea Beach, East Sussex
Pictures
The third thing to come out of an engagement shoot is, of course the pictures. Many people think of having the engagement period of their lives, professionally documented, and this period can often seem a bit of a blur what with all that wedding planning and offering life planning to boot. Having a professionally taken and gorgeous set of pictures of yourselves is a memory you will only get one chance to do, but he will look back on for the rest of your lives. My couples love the idea of creating an engagement book or even a guest book, whereby I place the images leaving room for guests messages on the wedding day. Another popular idea is to use an image or several images for invitations and online, but whatever, you will have these pictures for the rest of your lives to remember this really important stage of your life.
Bodiam Castle, East Sussex
Clothes
Choose colours that go together and keep the same colour palette as each other as this will unify you together in the shots.
Style it up. This really makes your photos sing. You could dress in a cute vintage way perhaps a 40′s style dress and jeans and a waistcoat for guys if that’s your thing.
Think about the season and where we are shooting and choose appropriate clothes. If it’s cold outside don’t just stick your jeans, muddy trainers and bulky winter coat on…chunky knits with a belt, hat, scarf, gloves and knee high boots or style-wellies are a more stylish alternative.
If we are going to a more formal location, like a town or city, why not dress up a bit? A dress and heels looks fabulous or jeans, a shirt and suit jacket for the guys. You will feel and therefore look amazing.
If the venue is a beautiful garden consider a white floaty dress and a hat, with a summer jacket for the guys.
Think classic, ideally no big motifs or wording on your clothes and consider that anything too on-trend risks your images looking out-dated quickly.
If you’ve ever considered a stylist or personal shopper, this is the perfect time to treat yourself.
But don’t get stressed out about it; go for outfits that suit who you are. The aim is to look and feel amazing so that your photos show you at your most relaxed, confident and best.
Coordination is key. Making your colours harmonise is important and coordinating your outfits can elevate your photos from beautiful to breath taking. Let your attire complement each other, creating a seamless blend of style and scenery.
Atrani, Amalfi coast, Italy
Embrace the moment
Tips for a relaxed and authentic experience. Above all, your engagement shoot is a celebration of your love and connection. Embrace the spontaneity of the moment and trust me to capture candid moments, genuine emotions, and a visual narrative that reflects the essence of your romance.
The Louvre, Paris
Refined Details
Hair, makeup and attention to detail, is the hallmark of timeless elegance. Before your engagement shoot, consider scheduling hair and makeup appointments. Opt for soft, romantic hairstyles and natural but radiant makeup that accentuates your features.
For him, a well-groomed appearance adds polish to your photos, whether you're exploring the historic streets of Rye or strolling along the sandy shores of Camber.
Trocadero and Pont Neuf, Paris
Conclusion
Preparing for your engagement shoot is an adventure filled with excitement and anticipation. By following these tips and embracing the unique beauty of your chosen location, you'll create timeless images that capture the essence of your love story.
From the historic charm of Rye to the coastal allure of Camber, or the glitz of Paris, let your engagement shoot be a reflection of your journey together, a celebration of love, laughter, and happily ever after.